More than 25% of Chios Island has burned in the last decade.
Last summer alone, devastating wildfires forced evacuations across 20+ villages and pushed volunteer firefighters to their limits. Now, as a new fire season approaches, these crews urgently need equipment to stay safe and continue protecting our communities.
I’m originally from Chios, and I have seen firsthand that when these fires break out, the first and main point of defense is the deployment of volunteer firefighters. Volunteers are integral to the island's emergency response team, aiding in the protection of both residential areas and the surrounding environment, say reports from the World Health Organization (WHO).
I personally know many of the volunteers of “Ώρα για Δράση.” They are people who drop everything the moment a fire starts and head straight toward the flames, wherever they are on the island. Last summer, I saw how hard they worked through back-to-back fires—long hours, extreme heat, and constant danger. When it was over, the team was left with depleted and damaged equipment.
I’m organizing this fundraiser because together, we can make sure they have the critical equipment and supplies they need to stay safe and protect our communities.
What Happened Last Summer:
Chios was hit by two major wildfires:
June (central region, north of Chios Town)
August (northwest Chios, peak summer)
These fires:
Forced evacuations in 20+ villages
Destroyed homes, crops, and infrastructure
Burned over 25,000 acres of land
Even with over 400 firefighters, 85 vehicles, and 13 helicopters battling the blazes, local volunteer crews were critical to the response, stepping in immediately and working alongside professionals in extreme conditions. During the peak of the Chios fires, 30 volunteer hiking units and 4 volunteer vehicles were integrated into the primary command structure.
Our Goal: $30,000
We are raising funds for the trusted volunteer firefighting team
“Ώρα για Δράση” in Kalamoti, Chios. This team serves not only their village, but the entire island—responding wherever help is needed.
After last year’s fires, their resources are depleted. With the 2026 fire season approaching, the need is urgent.
Where Your Donation Goes:
Your support will fund:
Water Storage & Transport ($12,000)
Critical water containers and supply systems
Protective Gear ($10,000)
Fireproof uniforms, gloves, boots, helmets, masks, and eyewear
Firefighting Equipment ($6,000)
Pumps, hoses, backpacks, and essential tools
Maintenance & Replacement ($2,000)
Repairing and replacing damaged or lost equipment
What Your Donation Can Do:
$25 → provides a rake or pickaxe
$75–$100 → helps supply gloves, boots, or protective gear
$150 → equips a firefighter with a backpack
$250 → provides a full face carbon mask
$500 → purchases a fire hose
$1000+ → goes toward a necessary complete compact fire pump
Every donation—no matter the size—directly supports firefighters ability to respond, protect, and save lives and our forests.
Why Your Support Matters
Your contribution will:
Protect volunteers risking their lives in dangerous conditions
Replace essential equipment lost in last year’s fires
Strengthen emergency response across the island
Help preserve homes, forests, and communities
Stand With Chios
These volunteers have already given everything they have. Let’s make sure they’re not facing the next fire season unprepared.
Please donate and share this campaign.
Together, we can protect Chios—and the people who protect it.
Thank you for standing with our island.
Media
*photos courtesy of Yannis Lytras - Ὠρα Για Δράση